The White House confirmed the successful completion of negotiations on the return to the United States of an American citizen previously convicted in Russia, Mark Fogel. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who arrived in Moscow to conduct negotiations, secured the release of the prisoner. Fogel is already on board a plane heading to the United States. 

The White House called the move a sign of “goodwill” on the part of Russia and noted that it could send a “good signal” in the future resolution of larger issues, including the conflict in Ukraine. U.S. administration officials stressed that the event is perceived as a positive development amid complex and long-running diplomatic disagreements between Moscow and Washington. 

Mark Vogel, a former teacher at the International School in Moscow, was arrested in Russia in 2021 and sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug possession. According to investigators, medical cannabis oil was found during a search of Vogel, which he brought into the country to treat chronic pain. Although the American side has repeatedly insisted that Vogel used the drug for medicinal purposes, Russian authorities have classified it as drug smuggling. 

Negotiations for his release have lasted more than a year and are part of a broader diplomatic dialogue. Witkoff's visit to Moscow, analysts say, shows efforts by both sides to find common ground even amid intense political tensions.